Does the body have natural defenses against viral throat infection?

The body has several mechanisms to defend against viral throat infection. In addition to barriers created by the mouth, skin, and tonsils that help to block incoming viruses, our cells are built to defend us. Interferons, which make healthy cells resistant to virus, are produced by cells that have already been attacked by the virus. Viruses trigger the immune system to send white blood cells to attack the virus and the cells infected by the virus. White blood cells develop the ability to recognize and attack the virus if it returns. This defense is called immunity.

Continue Learning about Viral Throat Infections

Aside from strep throat, most sore throats caused by are contagious, viral throat infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. The most common culprits of a viral throat infection include coxsackievirus, mononucleosis, and ...

the flu. Mononucleosis (mono) is a virus that causes symptoms that can last for weeks or months at a time. Viral throat infections are best treated with rest, liquids and other home remedies. If the sore throat causes you to have trouble breathing or a high fever, or results in spots in the back of your throat, call your doctor.

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Viral Throat Infections

Aside from strep throat, most sore throats caused by are contagious, viral throat infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. The most common culprits of a viral throat infection include coxsackievirus, mononucleosis, and the flu. Mononucleosis (mono) is a virus that causes symptoms that can last for weeks or months at a time. Viral throat infections are best treated with rest, liquids and other home remedies. If the sore throat causes you to have trouble breathing or a high fever, or results in spots in the back of your throat, call your doctor.